When your flight arrives at the gate and the seatbelt sign is turned off, should you immediately stand up no matter what, or should you remain seated? This is a surprisingly contentious topic…
In this post:
Pros and cons of getting up when plane arrives at gate
View from the Wing writes a post about three reasons you should stand up as soon as the plane lands (and by that I assume he means when the plane arrives at the gate, because there are some countries where people commonly get up as soon as the plane lands, and it’s not pretty). 😉
Gary argues that you absolutely should get up as soon as the plane arrives, because it benefits you and your fellow passenger. His argument comes down to three points:
- Getting ready to deplane, including getting things out of the overhead bin, speeds up the process
- It’s polite to the middle seat passenger who’s been stuck in place for hours
- You’ve been stuck in an uncomfortable seat for hours, why not stand as soon as you can?
While those points are fair, there are also some downsides to cramming into the aisle, which aren’t addressed:
- Aisles are tiny, and there’s simply not enough room for both aisle passengers to stand up at once throughout the plane; a 737 aisle is roughly 18″ wide, and if you assume 30″ of seat pitch, that means you have under four square feet for two people to stand, not even accounting for their luggage
- While you should absolutely gather your belongings before it’s your turn to deplane, there’s no benefit to doing this 10 minutes before you’ll be able to move, which is the case if you’re seated in the back of a large plane
- I can’t count how many people I’ve seen hit by large bags because there’s not enough room in the aisle due to everyone crowding it
- While some people in middle and window seats may prefer to have a bit of extra room for a few minutes, personally I just find the whole deplaning process to be smelly; people with bad breath are breathing down your neck, people are just sweaty and gross when standing up after sitting for so long, etc.
My approach to standing when the plane arrives
Admittedly I usually prefer a window seat to an aisle seat, so typically standing up right away isn’t an option for me. However, my personal approach is to remain seated for as long as possible, so as to not crowd the aisle.
I respect both perspectives, though. It’s probably good that some people want to stand up right away while others don’t, since not everyone would fit in the aisle if everyone chose to stand.
In an ideal world (which we don’t live in), I think people would get up when those several rows ahead are deplaning, and not earlier. This would leave the most space in the aisle to maneuver, so everyone could get on their way in a safe and timely manner.
As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re courteous to your fellow passengers. To me that comes down to two basic rules:
- Make sure you gather all your belongings shortly before it’s your turn to deplane, so that you’re not holding up other passengers; personally I think it’s fine to do this when people a few rows ahead of you are deplaning
- Respect that passengers should be allowed to deplane row-by-row; just because you get up before someone else doesn’t mean you should expect to deplane before them
Bottom line
People have conflicting viewpoints as to how quickly you should stand up when a plane arrives at the gate. It’s a polarizing topic, and people seem to be either staunchly for or against it. Personally I’m somewhere in the middle.
I think it’s fine that some people stand up right away, though it’s good that not everyone does, or else deplaning would be even more of a mess. I just think the key is to make sure you’ve gathered your belongings before it’s your turn to deplane, and that you respect that passengers deplane row-by-row, regardless of when they get up.
Where do you stand (no pun intended) on aircraft deplaning etiquette?
Some airlines in Asia forbid standing even after the plane arrives at the gate. The FAs direct rows to stand front to back. I liked it. Sitting another 10 minutes on a flight won't kill you.
I get extremely stiff sitting. I want to get up to loosen up my system.
After any flight longer than 2 hours, I need to stand and stretch. I don't think I have deep vein thrombosis, but my shins, knees and calves are in pain. I prefer the aisle seat, so this is usually not a problem. I am one of the first people to stand and get my bag after the seat belt sign goes off. However, I am careful not to hit anyone with my bag or body....
After any flight longer than 2 hours, I need to stand and stretch. I don't think I have deep vein thrombosis, but my shins, knees and calves are in pain. I prefer the aisle seat, so this is usually not a problem. I am one of the first people to stand and get my bag after the seat belt sign goes off. However, I am careful not to hit anyone with my bag or body. I also don't try to race to get off the plane, but I allow everyone seated in front of me to get in the aisle before me. Sometimes people in front of me choose to remain seated and motion me to go ahead of them.Or someone behind me tells me that they have to rush to get a connecting flight. If you are kind, courteous, and not rude, you avoid most unpleasant interactions.
Don't forget some people have connecting flights. Please have some consideration for others. If you are slow and want to take your time, remain at your seat and let others deplane first. I love the Turkish people decline, they remind me of the "army", very quick and orderly.
I stand up as soon as I can. I always choose an aisle seat for that reason. I have fibromyalgia, which causes my muscles to stiffen and become painful when I have to sit for long periods. An aisle seat not only allows me to get up and move during the flight, but I can also stand up after sitting for the 30 or so minutes after the seatbelt light goes on for landing. It...
I stand up as soon as I can. I always choose an aisle seat for that reason. I have fibromyalgia, which causes my muscles to stiffen and become painful when I have to sit for long periods. An aisle seat not only allows me to get up and move during the flight, but I can also stand up after sitting for the 30 or so minutes after the seatbelt light goes on for landing. It just makes a huge difference in how I feel and move.
I do make sure to keep my crap out of the way, and I don't rush the front of the plane. You can stand and still be polite.
I assume one can still chose their seats in advance. Choose the front.
I work for a major US airline and fly many segments in the cabin a week, I can't tell you how many times people from the rear of the plane run up the isle instead of waiting their turn.. I hear I have a connection I have a connection let me by,, I would bet that 90% of all the people have a connection to,So I say stand and get your spot in line if you need to deplane in a timely matter..
I'm a tall person and sitting in the cramped area for the length of the flight isn't the most comfortable. Nor do I have the money for first class with more legroom. So I do stand once it is safe to do so. I'm not trying to cut in front of other passengers, just desperately need to stretch my legs.
Sit and wait your turn.
You overlooked the benefit of blocking people from the back who run up the aisles attempting to get in front of everyone else.
I do that too
Totally agree its rude, to take your time when others are behind you, an internally take your time, other then that people should wait there turn. It's my humble opinion.. I mind my business, wait my turn..
Absolutely NOT. I am a former flight attendant and it is not safe to do so. The plane can lurch or make quick turns. You could get hurt
It’s not difficult… you wait your turn. People that immediately rush toward the front are some of the worst people in life; right up there with the bare feet on planes and at airport people. You should stay when the row or two in front of you start making their way out of their seats. Common etiquette. Whenever I see people try to rush to the front I trip them or box them out lol
When it's a slow news day, should you blog?
The same people that drive cars and refuse to let anyone pass them in the fast lane, fly on airplanes also. On the front side of this dilemma, why do people wait until they board the aircraft before looking at their seat assignment? Also, why wait until luggage is stowed in overhead bins before you remember there is something you need for your flight. JUST A THOUGHT, TAKE IT OUT BEFORE BOARDING, IN THE GATE...
The same people that drive cars and refuse to let anyone pass them in the fast lane, fly on airplanes also. On the front side of this dilemma, why do people wait until they board the aircraft before looking at their seat assignment? Also, why wait until luggage is stowed in overhead bins before you remember there is something you need for your flight. JUST A THOUGHT, TAKE IT OUT BEFORE BOARDING, IN THE GATE AREA AND MEMORIZE YOUR SEAT NUMBER BEFORE BOARDING, the boarding process will go a lot more smoothly. With a greater chance for an on time departure. IMAGINE THAT!!
I check with rowmates to see if anybody is in a hurry to deplane.. If not I prefer to stand up after the aisle empties a few rows past our row to allow more room to maneuver without risking luggage bash.
I hate when the plane kids, the sunbelt signs get turned off then people make a mad dash down the line blocking everyone else in. I stay seated especially if I my connecting flight isnt for a few hours. Or i stand up help the older people get their bag's down so the can get out. Many time young adults cut infrint of them. So Noone can stand uo with out being hit.
Standing is fine. Blocking the aisle or rushing off ahead of people in front of you isn’t.
Flown enough the last couple years to agree on a couple of things. Don't care if you decide to stand or sit, but don't cut in front of anyone that is ahead of you. If you need to catch a connecting flight, ask people. Otherwise you are a jerk and I'll act in kind. Care to find out how slow I can be? But don't worry, I usually step back and let my window/middle seat...
Flown enough the last couple years to agree on a couple of things. Don't care if you decide to stand or sit, but don't cut in front of anyone that is ahead of you. If you need to catch a connecting flight, ask people. Otherwise you are a jerk and I'll act in kind. Care to find out how slow I can be? But don't worry, I usually step back and let my window/middle seat mates out before me anyway.
Second, be ready to go! It's no different than security. Undoubtedly, every flight, there will be people who act like they have never flown before, and deplaning is all about them. I will not wait for people who aren't ready. I would expect others to pass me if I'm not ready by the time an aisle or two ahead of me departs.
Start charging for carryon and not for checked bags, boarding and deplaning would be soooo much faster.
The plane isn't going to leave with you on it, just wait until it's your aisle seat to leave.
Agree.
if you have a tight connection (a 1-2 hour stay), you should definitely get out as quick as you can even if youre sitting on the last seat of the plane
As a frequent traveler, there is nothing more maddening than some dude from row 35 dashing as far down the aisle as possible as soon as the seatbelt light goes off. First, there's a basic unspoken rule of deplaning etiquette: allow those in the rows ahead of you to deplane before you do. Second, running ahead of one's row obstructs the people in the aisle where the row 35 person stops from getting up and...
As a frequent traveler, there is nothing more maddening than some dude from row 35 dashing as far down the aisle as possible as soon as the seatbelt light goes off. First, there's a basic unspoken rule of deplaning etiquette: allow those in the rows ahead of you to deplane before you do. Second, running ahead of one's row obstructs the people in the aisle where the row 35 person stops from getting up and gathering their stuff. I think at least one person from each row has an obligation to his or her fellow row-mates to stand up and prevent the people in higher rows from deplaning before their row.
Agree. See that all the time. Wait your turn when your aisle is next. If you want to be off first pay for a seat at the front of the aircraft. Show some common sense.
I'm short enough that I can fully stand in the window seat on most planes I don't see anything wrong with it and it doesn't bother anyone else.
I have three examples.
Normally, I wait until my row is next to deplane. I will retrieve my overhead. If any person is immediately ready I let them precede me. I will assist any one inmy row to retrieve a difficult overhead.
On an Air India flight from Heathrow to JFK, the flight originated in New Delhi and was full. Upon touching down at JFK, the entire Indian population stood up in mass....
I have three examples.
Normally, I wait until my row is next to deplane. I will retrieve my overhead. If any person is immediately ready I let them precede me. I will assist any one inmy row to retrieve a difficult overhead.
On an Air India flight from Heathrow to JFK, the flight originated in New Delhi and was full. Upon touching down at JFK, the entire Indian population stood up in mass. They ignored the entreaties of the cabin crew to remain seated. The taxi to the gate was, without exaggeration, ten minutes. My wife and I let everyone deplane. We, walking to immigration in the dedicated US passport lane, smirked at the long line of of non citizens queued for the lengthy wait.
On a US domestic flight, a couple boarded. The male was annoying. He ate a pungent, garlic infused sandwich. Kept bouncing up and down rearranging his items in the overhead. Upon touchdown he immediately retrieved his overhead items. The FA corrected that behavior. Once deplaned, he ran off, with his wife trailing, to baggage claim. The last I saw of him as I left, was him frantically pacing up and down waiting for his luggage.
In Mexico, I block the aisle of anyone behind me when we arrive at my city. The bus driver always warns passengers to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop. I allow the passengers in front of me to depart first.
On a delayed flight recently at MIA on AA passengers were asked to remain berated so others with tight connections could deplane first. Caused even more chaos ..
I do because I'm usually in first or the front row of coach. But if I'm way back in an exit row no I don't stand right away but I'm ready to go when rows before me have emptied. It's amazing how long it takes to deplane with people that have no consideration for those with tight connections behind them or people that want to catch the next bus or train home, or just get home.
If I am in an aisle seat, I always get up as soon as I can. I do this for multiple reasons, among them:
1. I often have a computer or iPad plus headphones out but my bag is in the overhead bin. This gives me time to repack before leaving
2. I usually offer to get bags down for people in the middle and window seats. Sometimes they accept my offer, sometimes they...
If I am in an aisle seat, I always get up as soon as I can. I do this for multiple reasons, among them:
1. I often have a computer or iPad plus headphones out but my bag is in the overhead bin. This gives me time to repack before leaving
2. I usually offer to get bags down for people in the middle and window seats. Sometimes they accept my offer, sometimes they don't.
3. I do NOT try to push ahead until the row ahead of me has gone. However, being ready to go when it's my turn helps everyone in the rows behind me deplane more quickly, as it does for window and middle seatmates who accept my offer of help with their bags.
I have to say that it makes me nuts when people ahead of me wait until the very last minute to stand up. From my perspective, THAT is the rude behavior because it needlessly makes everyone behind them wait.
I definitely prefer to stand, so I do that right away (I usually get hit enough during boarding and don't want a repeat performance-typically, over filled backpacks). I get my stuff and put it on my seat, or in the aisle if there is space. Then I ask my neighbors if they'd like me to pass them anything - this has usually been gratefully accepted and we part with kind words.
This is also a very culture thing - once unluckily (and never again) flying with Austrian to Bucharest, due to a last minute rebooking, I was stuck close to the back of the plane in a window seat.
After arriving into Bucharest, the crazy passengers next to me, was really in no mood to get up - and this was arriving after midnight. When I politely requested to be excused, they still did not...
This is also a very culture thing - once unluckily (and never again) flying with Austrian to Bucharest, due to a last minute rebooking, I was stuck close to the back of the plane in a window seat.
After arriving into Bucharest, the crazy passengers next to me, was really in no mood to get up - and this was arriving after midnight. When I politely requested to be excused, they still did not bother to get up and just casually let those behind my row to move forward.
I just got pissed and stood up to more or less force them to get out.. and they still did not bother to gather their belongings, so I just grabbed my belongings - which all got stuffed under their items. Some of their items just felled onto the seats, but i was so irritated with their attitude I just left it there and walked off - this seems to be quite usual it looks like based on how quite a lot of them behaved...which is so strange, as if they had so much fun sitting in the tin can cramped into the seats.
Seriously? *this* is an article?
In the immortal words of Charlie Brown - "Good grief".
We're not a serious society anymore.
I’m always amused to see an aircraft arrive and people all jumping up to run to a closed door - absurd- they deplane row by row and when it’s your row gather your stuff and go - deplaning can take a while depending on circumstances like an aerobridge taking a while to be connected - seems crazy to me to bother standing - each to their own
I take a a hybrid approach to this. I always sit on the aisle. When the ding sounds, I stand up, grab my rollaboard, extend the handle, and place it in the aisle aligned with the back of my seat - this effectively sets up a barricade so the people behind me can't push forward.
I then sit back down, get my backpack/personal item in order, and then stand up again when it's my turn...
I take a a hybrid approach to this. I always sit on the aisle. When the ding sounds, I stand up, grab my rollaboard, extend the handle, and place it in the aisle aligned with the back of my seat - this effectively sets up a barricade so the people behind me can't push forward.
I then sit back down, get my backpack/personal item in order, and then stand up again when it's my turn to deplane.
It warms my heart when people in the rows behind me get angry about this, but it's teaching them a good lesson: wait your turn!
You are actuallly not supposed to block the aisles you numpty!
Everyone rushes up and then rushes as far up front as they can get before someone stands up and stretches. So I will too. I didn't pay for my seat to have someone behind me get in front of me. Lastly, no. I will not help you with your bags. Not all disabilities are visible. Not trying to end my work trip before it even begins because you overloaded your carryon with bricks. No thanks. Carry your own bag, or wait till the end for a FA to help you.
My family and I were recently on a flight (737). A passenger from several rows back took 4 roller bags from the overhead, proceeded to push them up to my seat and when I couldn’t get up, he said ‘what do you want me to do…put ‘em all back?’ He had jumped up, left his family seated in the back and felt entitled to hold up the whole deplaning for his benefit. I needed help...
My family and I were recently on a flight (737). A passenger from several rows back took 4 roller bags from the overhead, proceeded to push them up to my seat and when I couldn’t get up, he said ‘what do you want me to do…put ‘em all back?’ He had jumped up, left his family seated in the back and felt entitled to hold up the whole deplaning for his benefit. I needed help and wanted to be with my family. The man across the aisle from me, took two of the roller bags and put them on top
of another one and motioned for me to go. Don’t know what happened to Mr. I’m Not Going to Wait, but I’ve never seen this level of rudeness on a flight.
And no, he wasn’t connecting. We were on the last flight in that night.
Pro-tip: be the person they make the announcement about sitting down because y’all are on an active taxiway.
No matter which you favor for the love of god just be ready when it is your turn to de-plane. There is nothing worse than waiting for some idiot who still hasn't gathered up their things. If you can't manage everything you have in the cabin with a few movements you should have checked another bag.
Stay seated till two rows in front of you is exiting. At that point, if you're an isle seat, get up and start gathering your stuff, then move out of the way so the middle seat can get there stuff. The people who get up right away are self important, inconsiderate a-holes.
I stand right away from the aisle seat mostly to guard against bags hitting me, actually. I have a better vantage point to see what people are attempting, and if a bag does come out uncontrolled, it’ll hurt but not as bad as it would if I was seated and gravity had time to fully take effect
I sit in aisle seats and always get up immediately when the bell sounds at the gate.
If you're in the last row of biz or first, it's likely you will get passed by passengers in Main cabin extra or premium economy at this point. Curtain ain't stopping anyone nowadays from deplaning after biz/first class.
Also, I travelled to NRT twice in late 2022. Everyone was so polite on the plane during disembarkation. Everyone (as far as I know) followed PA announcements as to who (transit vs terminating pax) was allowed to get off.
I don't care what you do, but for the love of God be *completely* ready to go when it's your turn. While you may not value your time, please try to understand that some of us seated behind you value ours.
Sorry Larry, the above was meant as a general comment on this story and not a reply to you.
I try and get aisle seats and yes, stand up right away. If there is room in the aisle I'll move there, but if there isn't I'll stand at my seat until there is room. After sitting for a long time I physically can't wait to stretch out. I try to be as respectful as possible of other people's space. But I will do anything I can within reason to escape the torture chamber that the typical airline seat has become.
I totally agree with willieron. Well said.
I was seated behind a group of 60 teenagers and chaperones (about 10 rows) on a school trip. They all remained seated after the front sections started to move. Luckily, I was in the aisle so I was able to quickly grab my bag and scooted right by them while they sat in their seats.
I am pretty sure I caught Covid last fall because of a crowded deplaning experience (and I forgot to mask!). I don't understand why we must deplane row by row precisely -- some folks are ready to walk, and can quickly clear the aisle. My greatest irritation is waiting for those who take a long time to pull their two or three roll-a-boards, plus gather their shopping bags and coats from the seat. Keep in mind also the incentive to get out quickly: the passport queue!
Stand up or don't, doesn't really matter to me. What is inconsiderate is when people decide that it's their god given right to hold up the rest of the plane while they leisurely gather their belongings, meandering at a pace befitting an art museum not a deplaning. Just because slow deplaners don't have anywhere to be doesn't mean that's the case for the rest of us.
I always wait until most people declare. I hate making anyone behind me wait for me to get my luggage.
Sean M
What airline disembarks by status and zone? In my hundreds of flights,I’ve never seen this?
I prefer airlines that disembark by status and zone. This was something that was implemented in some places during the pandemic and it was great to be able to get my bags out and stroll off the plane leisurely while everyone else remained seated.
What airline did this? It sounds like a nightmare. Not everyone with status sits in the same area of the plane. And people with zero status can also be sitting up front. Plus, is it on the honor system as far who gets to go first? I doubt the FAs would actually verify your status, as that would delay the deplaning process even more.
Bravo! You’ve picked the absolutely slowest method.
Japan implemented something like this. Last year I flew through Tokyo a few times and they would deplane by whether you were transitting or entering the country. It wasn't a consistent order as one time I could deplane first as I was a transit passenger and a couple of times I had to wait for people entering the country to deplane first. When I went through Tokyo a couple of weeks ago they had stopped this practice
Huh? Provide evidence Sean M. Ot at least some airline names and airports/cities. I HIGHLY doubt this, and even IF it happened once on some rando flight of yours, I also think it's HIGHLY likely that half of the people standing broke the "rules" and stood up and disembarked anyways regardless of status or "zone" (which is a boarding term). Were the FA's checking status inbetween texting their friends? I think not.
I always try to get off the plane ASAP even if that means push to the front. I don't usually checkin baggage so I getting out faster mean something.
No manners and rude.
I'm always on the aisle. I stand with the ding, get our stuff out of the overhead while my daughter at the window moves to my location (FC/BC only).
As soon as we start to move, she moves out ahead of me and we depart as efficiently as possible.
If anyone else has luggage in our overhead, I'm glad to hand it to them.
Those who sit like bumps, then expect us all to stop for them whole they slowly get their luggage are a PITA
So rude
There's always That Guy on every flight that shoves his way forward, never mind civility or that he was too cheap to pay for a front row seat. Thank you for introducing yourself, Mark.
Yes, wait your turn. We deplane by rows, not by who can be the rudest.
I missed the the civilized air travel a few months right after the world shutdown and before the mask violators and mask police return to the skies.
I assume we’re saying after the seat belt signs are off? Because there are those who get up before the seat belt signs are turned off!
Why is deplaning so difficult for people? When it’s your row’s turn, get your stuff and go.
Those who come from row 26 trying to get ahead of everyone, I hope you spend hours waiting for a cancelled flight.
If you’re flying first/business most of the time (I’m looking at you Lucky) this topic is moot. Two situations in economy when you should try to get up (to the aisle) early; tight connection and when your luggage is in bin several rows behind you. If I’m not in aisle seat, I politely explain to my seat mate the reason for getting out to aisle.
Sorry that wasn’t supposed to post as response to Steven
Deboarding by rows is still in place in Brazil (not sure if mandatory by any regulator or simply by choice of the airlines) and it's great. Not a single complaint.
@ Gilbert
Must be something new. I flew GOL & TAM and no one did that. And if "mandatory" I doubt that works out. You always have some (most) dumb#ss.
Some carriers are doing that for boarding, but still, it doesn't work, let alone for deboarding.
Maybe it feels unrushed and therefore nice, but it’s also the slowest method. (Yes, there’s research on this. And this work for both boarding and deboarding.)
The best method is to by “last digit of your row number.” E.g., rows 1, 11, 21, 31, 41. Followed by rows 5, 15, 25, 35, followed by sth like 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, etc. etc. etc.
The reason should be easy enough to understand: You won’t have...
Maybe it feels unrushed and therefore nice, but it’s also the slowest method. (Yes, there’s research on this. And this work for both boarding and deboarding.)
The best method is to by “last digit of your row number.” E.g., rows 1, 11, 21, 31, 41. Followed by rows 5, 15, 25, 35, followed by sth like 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, etc. etc. etc.
The reason should be easy enough to understand: You won’t have a bunch of people of a traditional boarding group competing for essentially the same tiny space, but you’ll have the same number of people distributed throughout the plane.
The second-fastest method is uncontrolled chaos, essentially what most of the world uses for deboarding.
I think the best of both worlds is to stay seated in a window seat until it's your "turn", but have everyone in all the rows ahead of you stand up and get all their stuff out as soon as possible and wait in the aisle which speeds unloading.
So, I will continue to sit and wait, but everybody else please stand up and get your stuff and get ready!
Yes I would add to this method it might be even faster if the aisle people get up, get their things, put the things in the aisle, and sit back down.
Why?
If the aisle person stays standing in the aisle, little/no room in the aisle for the person in the opposite aisle to place their bag on the aisle floor space.
One should stand up and get in the way of people getting off the plane.
In a word .. no, especially if you’re in a window seat, unless you’re short.
I'm guilty. I am the first one to stand up, and I am usually in a window seat. After landing, I want to get off the plane and get where I am going. I hate it when my seat mates in the middle and aisle just sit there and wait for people to start walking off the plane.
That said, one of the best things during COVID was how people would politely stay seated and deboarded by rows. It was much more orderly.
Assuming it’s the people in front who should get off first. Then you wait until your row. I prefer to place my cabin bag under the seat in front. I’ll be kind and pass a bag to the neighbour if I’m in an aisle and they might need help.
@ David;
Just wait until you are my neighbor.
Why would those in the middle or aisle seat get up when there is no place to go? I simply don't understand your statement "I want to get off the plane and get where I am going". You can't!
I don't mind people standing as long as they don't push forward. And for the love of God when it's your turn go! If you have too many things you should stay seated and let people pass until you get your s#$t together.